The Role of a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
The definitive guide on what Behaviour Support Practitioners do, and what is not included in their role.
At Insight PBS, our approach to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is built upon a commitment to collaboration, person-centred care, and a multi-disciplinary method. With our comprehensive support system, Behaviour Support Practitioners play an integral role in crafting Interim and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) for NDIS participants.
However, there is sometimes confusion about the precise responsibilities of these practitioners. In this article, we will clarify exactly what a Behaviour Support Practitioner does—and just as importantly, what they do not do.
What a Behaviour Support Practitioner DOES Do
1. Conduct Comprehensive Assessments
A primary function of a Behaviour Support Practitioner is to conduct thorough assessments to understand the underlying functions of an individual’s challenging behaviour. This involves:
Gathering Detailed Background Information: Engaging with key supports such as parents, guardians, support workers, and care staff to build a complete picture of the individual’s needs.
Evaluating Behavioural Functions: Identifying the triggers and functions of challenging behaviours, which forms the foundation for an effective BSP.
2. Develop Behaviour Support Plans
Based on the assessments, the practitioner develops tailored support plans that are uniquely designed to address the individual’s needs. This process includes:
Collaborative Planning: Working in close consultation with the individual and their support network to ensure the plan is both practical and sustainable.
Customised Strategies: Outlining clear strategies for intervention, detailed behavioural descriptions, and guidance for key supports to implement the plan consistently.
3. Provide Guidance and Training
A key aspect of the practitioner’s role is to empower key supports through training and guidance:
Training Sessions: Delivering targeted training to ensure that everyone involved understands their role in implementing the BSP.
Ongoing Support: Offering regular follow-ups and consultations to adjust strategies and ensure that the plan remains effective over time.
4. Facilitate Collaborative Engagement
The effectiveness of a BSP is built on collaboration:
Building Relationships: Establishing a strong rapport with the individual, their family, and other key supports.
Team Integration: Working as part of a wider trans-disciplinary team to share insights and responsibilities, ultimately preventing staff and carer burnout.
What is not included in a Behaviour Support Practitioner’s Role
1. Deliver Routine Daily Care
It is important to understand that while practitioners design and guide support strategies, they do not directly provide day-to-day care or manage routine interventions. The implementation of the BSP is carried out by frontline care staff, family members, and other key supports.
2. Diagnose Medical or Psychiatric Conditions
Behaviour Support Practitioners are experts in understanding behaviour; however, they are not qualified to diagnose medical or psychiatric conditions. Any such assessments should be conducted by appropriately qualified professionals. The practitioner’s role is to interpret behavioural functions within the context of the overall support plan, not to serve as a clinical diagnostician.
3. Offer Immediate Crisis Intervention
While the strategies outlined in a BSP can help manage challenging behaviour, practitioners are not typically the first point of contact during an acute crisis. Immediate crisis intervention should be managed by specialised crisis teams or emergency services. The focus of a Behaviour Support Practitioner is on long-term, sustainable behavioural management rather than emergency response.
4. Make Unilateral Decisions
A cornerstone of the Insight PBS approach is collaboration. Practitioners do not impose solutions without first consulting with the individual, their family, and other key supports. The development of a BSP is a joint effort that respects the preferences and insights of all stakeholders involved.
5. Replace Other Professional Roles
Behaviour Support Practitioners are not intended to replace specialised therapists, educators, or medical professionals. Their expertise lies in behavioural analysis and strategy development, and they work in conjunction with other experts to complement and enhance existing care plans.
6. Assume a One-Off Solution
Finally, practitioners do not treat a BSP as a ‘set and forget’ solution. Continuous monitoring and adaptation are essential parts of their role. While they lay the foundation with a comprehensive plan, ongoing review and adjustments are necessary to ensure long-term success.
Conclusion
Understanding the specific roles and boundaries of a Behaviour Support Practitioner is key to ensuring that NDIS participants and their care teams have realistic expectations of the support provided by Insight PBS.
Our practitioners are dedicated to conducting comprehensive assessments, developing customised Behaviour Support Plans, and providing ongoing training and guidance. However, they are not responsible for routine care, crisis intervention, or clinical diagnoses—roles that other specialised professionals carry out.
At Insight PBS, we remain committed to a collaborative, person-centred approach that ensures every intervention is effective, sustainable, and supportive of both the individual and their key supports. For more information on our services or if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 824 930 or visit our website at insightpbs.com.au.
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